Protective gaiter

ABSTRACT

A protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state. In the closed state the gaiter includes an essentially frustoconical shaped body. The gaiter includes an at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening in the closed state, and a lower edge forming a large diameter lower opening in the closed state. The gaiter further includes a zipper fastener extending between the upper edge and the lower edge for selectively joining and separating opposing side edges of the body, thereby allowing the gaiter to alternate between the closed and open states.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of wearableprotective coverings. More specifically, the present invention relatesto a protective covering for the lower leg and shoe uppers.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

When performing outdoor work such as gardening, construction, etc., orany outdoor activity such as camping or hiking a person may be exposedto dirt, gravel, dust or other debris, as well as to objects such as cutgrass, fallen leaves or twigs. During the performance of such work, aperson may remain outside during harsh weather conditions such as rain,snow or sleet, for extended periods of time. As a result, one's shoes,socks and/or lower pants often become worn faster than had they not beensubject to such conditions or foreign objects.

In particular, debris may enter the shoe and tear apart the sock; twigsmay puncture a hole in socks, work shoes or pants; and rain may soak theshoes, thereby requiring a spare pair of shoes to work in while thewater-logged ones dry.

There have been various attempts to provide means for protecting theseareas, however, all of these attempts have one or more drawbacksassociated with them.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,359 discloses a gaiter for protecting a boot. Thegaiter has a tubular shape and comprises a flap extending from the lowerend of the gaiter, which is pressed against the upper. A zipper isarranged at the side ends of the gaiter for allowing the gaiter to beopened so that it can be placed on or removed from the boot. The gaiteralso comprises a strap for wrapping around the outsole to secure theflap to the upper and is connected to the upper by shoe clips. Thecombination of the tubular shape, the tightly fit flap and the strapresult in reducing the range of motion of the user's ankle, which mayhinder performance of his work at maximum efficiency.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,503 discloses a legging for shielding the wearerfrom snake bites. The garment is a legging made of woven fabric, havingopposing edges that are joinable by a hook and loop fastener situated atthe central portion of the edges. The upper portion comprises a belt andbuckle for joining the upper edge and the lower portion is joinable by asnap. However, since hook and loop fasteners wear with time, the meansfor joining the opposing edges will loosen, and a snake will be able toinsert its head easily between the opposing edges.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,573 discloses a shoe comprising an integral storagepouch for storing a gaiter therein. Opposing gaiter sides are fastenableat the top and bottom by snaps. The upper edge is comprised of anelastic band to maintain its place along the wearer's leg or pants.However, the opposing sides themselves are not joined together, therebyallowing the undesirable debris or elements to enter therein.

GB 2,389,769 comprises a shoe with concealed gaiter fasteners. A firstzipper strap is attached to an inner surface of the gaiter between thelateral sides and between the top and bottom ends of the gaiter. Asecond zipper strap, complementing the first zipper strap is attached tothe upper of the shoe. A collar member extends along and inwardly of thetop end of the upper, and the second zipper strap is attached to aninner side of the upper and top end of the upper. The zipper istherefore concealed within the gaiter and is prevented from contactingexternal debris.

Over-Boots Pty Ltd. (http://www.overboots.com.au) manufactures a rangeof ankle-to-knee protection products for distribution throughoutAustralia. The products all have a tubular shape and comprise an elasticupper edge. The tubular shape causes bunching up of the material of theproduct where it contacts the shoe. Additionally, in some of theirproducts, a Velcro™ fastener allows opposing sides to separate. It iswell known that repetitive use of a Velcro™ fastener substantially wearsthe hook and loops.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aprotective gaiter that overcomes the drawbacks associated with the priorart.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide aprotective gaiter that protects the shoe upper without bunching up.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide aprotective gaiter that is water repellent and/or water resistant.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide aprotective gaiter that is inexpensive to produce.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention shall becomeapparent as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protective gaiter having a closedstate and an open state, wherein in the closed state the gaitercomprises an essentially frustoconical shaped body. The gaiter comprisesan at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upperopening in the closed state and a lower edge forming a large diameterlower opening in the open state, and further comprises a zipper fastenerextending between the upper edge and the lower edge for selectivelyjoining and separating opposing side edges of the body, thereby allowingthe gaiter to alternate between the closed state and the open state.

Optionally, a slit extends from the lower edge towards the upper edge.Wherein the slit is between 1 cm-10 cm in length.

According to one embodiment, the upper edge is entirely elastic. Anadjustable strap is optionally situated near the upper edge foradjusting the diameter of the upper opening.

Preferably, the gaiter is made of a material chosen from the groupconsisting of: water repellent; water resistant; and, cotton.

Optionally, a lace for tying around the outesole of a shoe is situatednear the lower edge.

The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing aprotective gaiter comprising:

-   -   a. providing a trapezoid shaped material having linear upper and        lower edges and side edges having zipper components; and,    -   b. joining an elastic strip to said upper edge such that the        upper edge is at least partially crimped, thereby forming pleats        at the upper edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a trapezoid shaped material from which a firstembodiment of the gaiter of the present invention is manufactured;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention in aprojection view;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention in awearable state;

FIG. 4 illustrates the back portion of the present invention showing theportion of the upper edge that is not crimped;

FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1, being worn by a user;

FIG. 6 illustrates a prior art gaiter being worn by a user;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention in aprojection view;

FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 7, in its wearable state beingworn by a user;

FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention in aprojection view;

FIG. 10 illustrated the embodiment of FIG. 9 in its wearable state beingworn by a user; and,

FIG. 11 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention asshown in FIG. 3, wherein a lace fastens the gaiter to the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain types of work require one to be in an environment with harshweather conditions and/or surrounded by debris. These elements causeexcessive wear on one's lower pants, socks and/or shoes. The presentinvention provides a protective gaiter for enabling maximum protectionof these articles, while simultaneously allowing the user maximumcomfort and maneuverability. Due to the tubular/cylindrical shape ofprior art gaiters, the front portion of the gaiter typically bunches upat the lower edge, as described herein above. This prevents the backportion of the gaiter from descending along the back of the shoe,thereby leaving the back of the shoe, and in some cases, even the sock,exposed to the elements. The present invention solves this problem byproviding a gaiter having a unique shape that allows the sock and backportion of the shoe to remain protected during use.

The term, “front portion” as used herein refers to the portion of thegaiter that is positioned at the front of the shoe, on top of the shoeupper. According to the preferred mode of use, the front portion is theportion of the gaiter opposite the zipper when in the wearable state.

The term, “back portion” as used herein refers to the portion of thegaiter that is positioned at the heel or back portion of the shoe.According to the preferred mode of use, the back portion is the portionof the gaiter comprising the zipper when in the wearable state.

The shape from which a first embodiment of the gaiter of the presentinvention is manufactured is shown in a projection view in FIG. 1. Asshown in the figure, the gaiter is formed from a trapezoid shapedmaterial, comprising a body (104) having a linear upper edge (102)parallel to a linear a lower edge (106) and opposing angled side edges(118), (128) (or, transverse edges). Opposing side edges (118), (128)comprise zipper components (130 a), (130 b).

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the gaiter of the present invention,described generally by numeral (100), wherein an elastic strip (101) isjoined to upper edge (102) of the shape of FIG. 1, typically by foldingstrip (101) over upper edge (102) and sewing thereto. When elastic strip(101) is sewn to upper edge (102), upper edge (102) is crimped, formingpleats at the upper edge and creases (108) in body (104), as seen in thefigure.

Thus, when laying gaiter (100) flat in a projection view, upper edge(102) and lower edge (106) naturally bend arcuately, as shown in FIG. 2.

Although elastic strip (101) is a separate entity from upper edge (102),it is understood that when elastic strip (101) is sewn to upper edge(102), the two entities unite such that upper edge (102) may beconsidered to be, and described as elastic.

Geometrically, the shape shown in FIG. 2 is the projection of atruncated cone (also known as frustoconical, or frustum). Thus, whenjoining the two opposing edges (118), (128), a truncated cone is formed.However, since the shape shown in FIG. 2 is originally a trapezoid withstraight (linear) upper and lower edges (102), (106), whose upper edgeis elastically crimped, as described herein above, the resulting shapeformed when joining the two opposing edges (118), (128) and unitingzipper components (130 a), (130 b) is not a truncated cone whose upperand lower openings are coaxial. Rather, the truncated cone shape shownschematically in FIG. 3 is formed, wherein upper opening (110) is notcoaxial with lower opening (120), as described herein below.

Gaiter (100) is shown in FIG. 3 in the wearable state, wherein thezipper (130) is fastened. In the wearable state, upper edge (102) formsa small diameter upper opening (110). The body (104) of gaiter (100)extends downward from upper edge (102), and lower edge (106) forms alarge diameter lower opening (120). As seen in the figure, upper opening(110) and lower opening (120) are not coaxial. This may be understood byviewing the central axis (122) of upper opening (110) in relation to thecentral axis (124) of lower opening (120). The portion (132) of body(104) that comprises zipper (130) (the back portion) is naturally“pulled” away from the central axis (122) of upper opening (110) ofgaiter (100). Thus, portion (132) extends between upper edge (102) andlower edge (106) at an incline, whereas the portion (134) of body (104)opposing zipper (130) (the front portion) extends essentially orthogonalbetween upper edge (102) and lower edge (106).

The frustoconical shape as shown is formed as a result of two aspects ofthe present invention. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the portion whereupper edge (102) and opposing edges (118), (128) meet, shown encircledin the figure, is not crimped by elastic strip (101). Since portions(102, 118), (102, 128) are not crimped, portion (132) of body (104) atzipper (130) is allowed to extend between upper edge (102) and loweredge (106) in a straight manner, i.e. without creases (108), whichallows body (104) between upper edge (102) and lower edge (106) toextend at portion (132) slightly longer than at other locations aroundgaiter (100). Second, since zipper (130) comprises rigid components,zipper (130) tends to allow portion (132) to be disposed in a straightmanner between upper edge (102) and lower edge (106).

The advantage of the shape of gaiter (100) of the present invention inthe wearable state is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows gaiter (100) in itswearable state, being worn by a user. Upper edge (102) is positionedaround the lower portion of the leg (10) of the user, above the shoe(12). Body (104) of gaiter (100) drapes over shoe (12), thereby forminga protective covering around the lower portion of leg (10) and the sock(not shown) and upper of shoe (12), especially at the opening of shoe(12) where the foot is inserted.

As described herein above, prior art gaiters are typically essentiallytubular or cylindrically shaped. Thus, when positioned around the shoe,the gaiter will become creased and bunched up in the front and back ofthe shoe, which may allow undesirable elements to enter the shoe.According to a first embodiment of the present invention the portion(132) of body (104) that comprises zipper (130) is oriented at the backor heel portion of shoe (12), and portion (134) of body (104) opposingzipper (130) is oriented at the front portion of shoe (12), above theshoe upper. As seen in the figure, although portion (134) is creased(108), or bunched up, portion (132) is still allowed to extend along theback portion of shoe (12). FIG. 6 shows schematically a prior artgaiter, wherein front portion (134 a) is bunched up at the front of shoe(12), which causes back portion (132 a) to bunch up at the rear of shoe(12). It is clear that the frustoconical shape of the present inventionallows the shoe (and sock) to be better protected from the elements.

Although gaiter (100) is shown in the figure being worn around theactual leg (10) of the user, this is for clarity only, and it isunderstood that gaiter (100) may alternatively be worn around the lowerpant leg of the user. Additionally, the user may be wearing a sock, ofwhich protection is provided by gaiter (100), and gaiter (100) may bedirectly worn around the sock. Thus, it is understood that gaiter (100)may be worn by a user wearing either short or long pants.

Body (104) of gaiter (100) is preferably made of a material that canwithstand wear from harsh weather conditions as well as dirt and graveland other debris. For instance, body (104) may be made of a ruggedcotton fabric, water repellent material or water resistant material, orany other material that is treated to repel or resist water penetration.Most gaiters of the prior art are made of material for use during thewinter or cold season. However, gaiter (100) of the present invention ismade of material that is suitable for all seasons, including spring,summer and fall (autumn).

Gaiter (100) of the present invention is useful for both high-top andlow-top shoes.

Although gaiter (100) is shown in the figures and described herein asbeing situated at the lower portion of leg (10) of a user, it isunderstood that in some cases it may be preferable to situate gaiter(100) as high on the leg as slightly below the knee. The length of body(104), i.e. the distance between upper edge (102) and lower edge (106),is predetermined based on the intended positioning of gaiter (100) alongleg (10), as well as on how far the shoe (12) extends up leg (10).

A second embodiment of the gaiter (100 a) of the present invention isshown schematically in the open position in a side view in FIG. 7, andcomprises all of the elements and features of the first embodiment, withthe following difference. According to the second embodiment of gaiter(100 a), a slit (140) is cut from lower edge (106) and extends towardsthe upper edge (102). Slit (140) is preferably situated at essentiallythe center of lower edge (106) and extends towards upper edge (102) fora length of between 1 cm-10 cm, more preferably between 4 cm-8 cm.

As seen in FIG. 8 in the wearable state, the second embodiment of gaiter(100 a) is worn at the lower portion of leg (10), as in the firstembodiment. Slit (140) preferably is positioned upon the shoe's upper.Slit (140) provides additional means for preventing bunching up ofportion (134) by allowing yet a looser fit around the shoe uppers. Thisallows the back portion (132) to extend even further towards the heelthan when slit (140) is not present.

A third embodiment of the gaiter (100 b) of the present invention isshown in the projection view in FIG. 9, and comprises all of theelements and features of the second embodiment, with the followingdifferences. According to the third embodiment of gaiter (100 b), upperedge (102) comprises two elastic strips (101 a), (101 b) extending fromopposing side edges (118), (128) of body (104) of gaiter (100 b). Eachstrip extends part of the way along upper edge (102) toward the centerof upper edge (102). The portion of upper edge (102) situated betweenelastic strips (101 a), (101 b) is not elastic, and is typically of thesame material as that of body (104). A transverse loop (150) is situatedpreferably at the center of body (104) slightly below upper edge (102).Loop (150) may be cut out of body (104) as shown in the figure, or anexternal loop may be fastened by known means such as sewing, etc.Adjustable strap (152) is fixed at one end (154) to body (104),preferably at or near the end of elastic strip (101 b) nearest to thecenter of gaiter (100 b). The other, free end (156) of strap (152) isinserted through buckle (160) situated at or near the end of elasticstrip (101 a) nearest to the center of upper edge (102). According tothe embodiment shown in the figures, the outer face (158) of the portionof strap (152) that extends through loop (150), and the outer face (159)of the free end (156) of strap (152) comprise a hook and loop fastenercombination, such as Velcro™.

According to one embodiment, outer face (158) comprises a mesh of loops,and the outer face (159) of free end (156) comprises an array of hooks.In the wearable state, when zipper components (130 a), (130 b) arejoined, the user may adjust the diameter of the upper opening by pullingor loosening strap (152) through buckle (160) and joining free end (156)to outer face (158). Thus, users may adjust upper edge (102) of gaiter(100 b) around his leg accordingly.

Although slit (140) is shown in FIG. 9, it is understood that the thirdembodiment of the present invention may also not include slit (140).

FIG. 10 shows the third embodiment of gaiter (100 b) in a wearablestate, being worn by a user.

In an alternative aspect, adjustable strap (152) may be partiallycomprised of a hook and loop fastener, and partially comprised of asticky substance. In general, strap (152) comprises any adhesive meansfor selectively adhering and separating outer face (158) and free end(156).

According to all embodiments as described herein above, an elongatedband or lace may secure the lower edge of the gaiter around the outsoleof the shoe. FIG. 11 shows schematically lace (170) as incorporated withthe first embodiment (100). Lace (170) is secured through hole (172)located at the lower portion of body (104) on each side of shoe (12)(only one side of which is shown), and wrapped around the outsole ofshoe (12). Thus, while allowing gaiter (100) to remain loose around theshoe upper, lace (170) secures gaiter (100) around the shoe to preventdebris etc. from reaching the shoe or leg from below the lower edge(106).

According to one aspect, lace (170) is comprised of a single strip madeof for sliding around shoe (12). According to another aspect, lace (170)is comprised of two strips, each of which is secured at one end ataperture (172), and the other end of each strip is tied to each other.Almost all prior art gaiters include a lace, however, in the presentinvention lace (170) is only optional.

Overall, the present invention provides protection and saves time forthe user that would be spent cleaning the shoe, socks and lowerleg/pants. Moreover, rapid wear on these articles is prevented, whichsaves money that would be spent on purchasing new and/or additionalpairs of these articles. Preventing foreign objects from entering theshoe additionally allow the user to work comfortably.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described herein byway of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can becarried into practice with many modifications, variations andadaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternativesolutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art,without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding thescope of the claims.

1. A protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state, whereinin said closed state said gaiter comprises an essentially frustoconicalshaped body, and wherein said gaiter is comprised of an at leastpartially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening insaid closed state, and a lower edge forming a large diameter loweropening in said closed state, said gaiter further comprising a zipperfastener extending between said upper edge and said lower edge forselectively joining and separating opposing side edges of said body,thereby allowing said gaiter to alternate between said closed state andsaid open state.
 2. A gaiter according to claim 1, wherein a slitextends from the lower edge towards the upper edge.
 3. A gaiteraccording to claim 2, wherein the slit is between 1 cm-10 cm in length.4. A gaiter according to claim 1, wherein the upper edge is entirelyelastic.
 5. A gaiter according to claim 1, wherein an adjustable strapis situated near the upper edge for adjusting the diameter of the upperopening.
 6. A gaiter according to claim 1, wherein said gaiter is madeof a material chosen from the group consisting of: a. water repellent;b. water resistant; and, c. cotton.
 7. A gaiter according to claim 1,wherein a lace for tying around the outesole of a shoe is situated nearthe lower edge.
 8. A method of manufacturing a protective gaiter, saidmethod comprising: a. providing a trapezoid shaped material havinglinear upper and lower edges and side edges having zipper components;and, b. joining at least one elastic strip to said upper edge such thatthe upper edge is at least partially crimped, thereby forming pleats atthe upper edge.